The here and now... and what and why

Complacency is a trap. At least that’s what I was thinking when I up and left the comfort of a Yankee prep school gig, where I taught music, amongst other things, for 28 years. There was also that life long career as a composer, musician and artist.

First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.

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For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo
The view from Corazon del Pueblo

The hereafter re me

My photo
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler

Monday, August 29, 2016

Worth the wait

I first saw this beautiful rug at Casa Cruz in Teotitlan del Valle, the home of Fidel and Maria Luisa, over ten years ago.  It immediately called my name, but I played deaf.  Well, actually, I heard it loud and clear, but.... never took that final step.  Fidel is one of the real masters of colors, one who has done years of research, experimentation and he has made incredible progress and developed new colors and techniques.  He and Maria Luisa know things... I mean they are very, very advanced.
I have visited their home many times over those ten years and every time, the rug called my name.  I learned all about the special dyeing techniques and the secrets to some of those colors.  I could tell you, but then, you know, I would have to silence you.  I was there a week or two ago and again, it called.  This time I answered and yesterday, it jumped into my car and away we went.  It's hard to believe that no one bought it in all those years.  It must have known that I would finally come through and answer its call.  Density.... I mean, destiny... well, maybe both.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Chris - Wow what a beauty.
Being the textile collector that I am - I believe that certain very special textiles are meant for the person who will appreciate them the most and care for them. Sometimes it takes awhile for those two entities to find each other. I think the rug was waiting for you to realize it was for YOU!

Unknown said...

That is absolutely gorgeous. You were right to let it seduce you.

Christopher Stowens said...

Sheri, that is it exactly and I am sure you know this better than most. It really is a beautiful work of art. I am so happy I finally got it together and purchased it.

Susan, well, at least I played hard to get for ten years before falling to its charms;-)